§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy to respond directly to hon. Members' queries on the policy aspects of family credit as opposed to referring them to the Benefits Agency for a reply.
§ Mr. JackMinisters answer letters relating solely to policy and remain fully accountable to Parliament for the work of the Department, including its executive agencies. The terms upon which social security agency chief executives answer hon. Members' queries was set out in a letter sent to all Members of Parliament in March 1991. I shall send a copy of the letter to the hon. Member.